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How I learned about mitophagy

Feb 14, 2024
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I have always been interested in health and wellness, and chose to become a health professional 30 years to help others with my interest in health and well being.

I have written about my experience and how I treat people with joint disease in my book Joint Journey, where I also share my tips on how to lose weight and get in better shape.

One of the strategies that helped me lose weight and improve my quality of life was following a low-carb keto diet. I learned about the benefits of ketosis, the metabolic state where the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy, and how it can reduce inflammation, pain, and stress. I also experienced weight loss, which was a bonus. I documented my journey and how I lost 32 pounds in 100 days in my book 100-Day Diet, detailing my journey over the 100 days.

While I was happy with the results of my keto diet, I was curious to learn more about the science behind it and how it affects the cells, especially the mitochondria. These organelles produce energy for the cells. I had heard about autophagy, the process of breaking down and recycling cellular components, and how it can promote longevity, prevent disease, and enhance health. I knew that fasting and keto diet can induce autophagy, and I wondered if there was a specific way to target the mitochondria.

Recently, I came across the concept of mitophagy, breaking down and recycling damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria. I discovered it while watching an interview between Jordan Peterson, a renowned psychologist and author, and Dr. Chris Palmer, a psychiatrist and researcher who studies the effects of ketogenic diets on mood disorders.

They had a fascinating conversation about how myophagy can improve brain function, mood, and cognition, as well as prevent or treat metabolic and mental disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, depression, and schizophrenia.

They also discussed how mitophagy can be achieved by various dietary strategies, such as fasting, calorie restriction, and carnivore diet, all ketogenic diets that shift the body from burning glucose to burning fat.

I will keep you posted on my research as now I have received and started reading the book "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind" by Dr. Georgia Ede, MD.

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